Missing from all the debate both pre and post the referendum has been any consideration of the effect of Brexit on the rest of Europe, or even the world as a whole. The EU (originally a simple coal and steel trade agreement) was created to bring stability to Europe following two disastrous wars. For me that was always the killer argument for it. Bringing in more members, helping the former Soviet bloc countries to adapt to democracy and capitalism was part of this mission. Of course it has problems, the task is enormous and some member countries are very far behind others financially, technically and in terms of good governance. But you could say the same of the US. Appalachia is as far from New York as Greece is from London. And not just in distance. But no-one in the US is suggesting Appalachia leave the $ or NY-exit.

By voting to leave the EU we have put our own selfish interests before those of Europe. Even if Brexit turns out a success economically for the UK in the short term, the continent as whole could be in serious trouble if such selfish nationalism spreads and destroys the union, and then we will suffer along with our former friends. Putin and Trump of course will be delighted.